Staff Research Associate II - Neurology

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 93,956,000 - 151,153,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health in Los Angeles is seeking a Staff Research Associate to support a laboratory focused on the molecular and genetic bases of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Under supervision, you will perform bench work including RNA/DNA analysis, single-cell library prep, immunohistochemistry, genomics, and extensive tissue culture such as neuronal cultures and iPSCs.

You will help with data handling, training, and publications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of related experience or training.
• Extensive experience in Tissue culture and molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, neuroscience theories.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with multiple individuals.
• Ability to maintain an organized working area and lab records.
• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare solutions for experiments.
• Knowledge of lab safety procedures for chemical, biohazard and medical waste.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology / cell biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular analysis of RNA/DNA and prepare single-cell libraries.
• Maintain tissue culture, generate stable cell lines and neuronal cultures.
• Handle mice tissue and perform immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
• Engage in genomic analyses including single-cell transcriptomics and related methods.
• Assist with data analysis, figure preparation for grants/publications, and training of staff.

Skills

2+ years experience

Tissue culture

Molecular biology

Genetics

Cell biology

Neuroscience

Lab safety

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

B.S. degree in Molecular Biology / Microbiology / Cell Biology / Biochemistry

Job description

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Onsite or Remote

Fully On-Site

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Posted Date

09/09/2026

Salary Range: $32.79 - 52.75 Hourly

Employment Type

Duration

Indefinite

Job #

32802

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and the Postdoctoral Fellow, the Staff Research Associate will provide basic technical support in the research laboratory, understanding the molecular and genetic basis of neurological diseases, and provide technical support in research focused on the molecular and genetic basis of developmental and neuro-psychiatric disorders. This includes bench work involving molecular analysis of RNA/DNA, preparation of single-cell libraries, immunohistochemistry, and genomics. cellular biology techniques. The vast majority of work will be tissue culture (cell culture maintenance, generating stable cells lines, primary neuronal cultures, stem cells including iPSCs); transfection in cellular studies; molecular cloning; RNA, DNA and protein extraction and analysis (PCR, RT-PCR, western blot); tissue collection from mice; immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry handling human tissue and in vitro organoids for genomic analysis including, but not limited to, single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, immunohistochemistry, and In Situ RNA hybridization. Additional work will include basic bioinformatics, tissue dissection, RNA/DNA extraction, western blotting, and qPCR.. Furthermore, the SRA II will be involved in transformation and generating DNA plasmids; performing PCR and gel electrophoresis; will be involved in generating spatial transcriptomics, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry, preparing buffers, solutions, and chemicals for lab experiments; basic data analysis and interpretation; maintaining database of experimental results; assisting with figures for grant applications and publications; providing technical assistance in the lab, including assisting other members of the lab; and assisting with training of lab assistants and students.

Salary Range: $32.79 - $52.75 Hourly

Job Qualifications

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Required:

• Minimum 2+years of related experience or training
• Extensive experience in Tissue culture and general knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, human genetics, and/or neuroscience theories and principles.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with multiple individuals.
• Ability to maintain an organized working area.
• Ability to keep accurate and organized lab records.
• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare solutions for lab experiments.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures for handling chemical, biohazard, and medical waste.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology/cell biology/genetic techniques.
• Working knowledge and ability in the use of computers (PC and MAC operating systems).
• Skill in using various computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe products, etc.)
• Excellent attention to detail, for accurate data entry and analysis.

Preferred:

• B.S. degree or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.